Hello, Chicago!
In March, we visited Chicago for a work trip. I love Chicago. So many great things to do and wonderful places to eat.
We love a good cocktail and great ambiance. I found this place in River North across from The Merchandise Mart and literally in the same building as Doughnut Valut!
The picture above was from our table at GILT Bar. If you are looking for a great speakeasy type ambiance for some great cocktails and food. Try it out. We sat in the comfy and cozy bar area. Enjoying two rounds of hand crafted cocktails with very attentive service. We tried the bone marrow and the most amazing carrot cake I have ever eaten in my life. I can usually take it or leave it, but this one I wanted to eat the whole damn piece. It rocked my world. Great place to chill after work or before an event. There was also a full dining room if you want to make a reservation for dinner.
GILT Bar – 230 West Kinzie Street, Chicago, IL
I was working most of the time on this trip so my husband was the researcher. He found some rave reviews about a place that just opened on Ashland Avenue. It was called, Temporis. We decided to dine here on our own dime on March 16, 2017.
Arriving, we knew this place was going to be different, intimate.
You really had to look carefully to find it. The restaurant really was new to the block and you might miss it.
Minimalist. Stylish. Seating only 20. Soft lighting, simplistic wooden tables. An efficient use of space.
We were greeted right away and our coats were taken by our host and server. There was a table of 3 near the front of the restaurant, we were sat towards the back, but there didn’t seem to be a bad seat in the restaurant.
I was aware they had just opened in January. At first, I was a little skeptical if it was going to work out for them, but after the service and food. This place is just waiting to explode.
We were served sparkling water and a cocktail menu.
I believe at the time there were only 3-4 people working. I felt that the server played many roles, including our bartender.
Inspecting the table, I knew there was something mechanical about it, but I couldn’t figure it out completely. The next thing I knew, the server had a wooden covered magnet, removing the center piece of the table. He inserted a garden of microgreens grown in-house especially for us by the chef’s. How nice! The microgreens were later used in a rabbit dish.
All of the dishes were an experience. Here were some of the standouts;
Sunflower in Five Forms – At first, I wasn’t expecting much from this, but the flavors were perfect and balanced. The various preparations of sunflower including the sunchoke and seeds let me completely satisfied.
Rabbit – The rack of rabbit with tandoori spice, cranberry beans, and micro greens. Every bite was so flavorful and fresh. Magnificent and meticulous preparations.
Temporis was a great find. I am sure there are only good things to come for this restaurant. Go now!
TEMPORIS – 933 North Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL
A trip to Chicago is not complete unless you visit the Art Institute of Chicago. A must see. Lucky for us Whistler’s Mother was on display at this time. Amazing.
Then there is the Ryerson Art Library at the Art Institute. Hmm, Do I have ties to Martin A. Ryerson? I doubt it, but Grams did say there were Ryerson relatives in Chicago. He was the richest man in Chicago at one point, died with no heirs in the 1930’s. I think that is interesting. The research continues…
Art Institute of Chicago – 111 Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
If you need anymore Chicago tips, just let me know.
More Than A Foodie 